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Sarbanes Statement on Pope Francis Encyclical

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) issued the below statement today following the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical – “Laudato Si” or “Praise Be to You” – which highlights the calamitous effects of climate change:

“Pope Francis’ encyclical about today’s environmental challenges speaks volumes about the threat that climate change poses to each and every person. I applaud the Pope, and other leaders in the faith community, for joining the chorus of global influential voices who are bringing much-needed attention to this issue and urging action.

“In coastal areas, industrialized cities and on small island nations – and even in local communities across Maryland’s Third Congressional District – we’re already beginning to see the pernicious impacts of climate change. For this reason, we must commit ourselves to policies that help our nation reduce carbon emissions, become more energy efficient and transition to a clean-energy economy.

“Ultimately, however, the effort to mitigate climate change is a moral one. The Pope aptly calls Earth, ‘our common home’ and implores all of us to take better care of it. In this just, earnest and honest cause of caring for our home, we can and must do better.”